WASMEX Awards. History, Intent and Eligibility.


Each year WASMEx gives out a number of perpetual awards.  This page records the history and intent of each award and then outlines which subjects are eligible for each award. 
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If you are not sure whether your project / model will be eligible for a particular award, this page will give you guidance. If after reading the guidelines you are still unsure e-mail [email protected].
 

BEST OF SHOW – SENIOR - JUDGE’S CHOICE
 
History
This award was introduced with the first WASMEx and has been presented at every subsequent show. It is a core part of WASMEx history.
 
Intent
This award identifies the best scale model within the competition according to the judging panel. The basis on which best is based can be either technical or artistic, or some combination of the two.
 
The winner of this award can justifiably claim to be the State Champion Scale modeler for the year.

Eligibility
All entries, except co-operative builds, are eligible for this award.

​BEST OF SHOW – PEOPLE’S CHOICE
History
This award was introduced with the first WASMEx and has been presented at every show. 

​Intent
This award determines which model is most popular with the public.  Every person who purchases a ticket to WASMEx is given a vote. Whichever model gets the greatest number of votes wins.  In the event of a tie, the Chief Judge is given the deciding vote.
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Eligibility
All entries, including co-operative builds, are eligible.

​BEST INTERMEDIATE
 
History
Prior to 2024 all modellers below the age of 18 competed for a single ‘best junior modeller’ award. In 2024 the committee concluded that it was discouraging for 12 and under modellers to compete against teenagers and decided to create a new award for 13 to 17 year olds (inclusive). This prize was first awarded in 2024.
 
Intent
This award identifies best scale model made by an intermediate age competitor to encourage model building in this age group. The basis on which best is based can be either technical or artistic or some combination of the two. The judges make the decision.
 
Eligibility
All entries created by a competitor who is 13 to 17 (inclusive) on the date of the competition are eligible for this award.

​BEST JUNIOR
 
History
This award was introduced with the first WASMEx. Tim Vickeridge of West Coast Hobbies provided a handsome trophy named after ‘Captain L.F.W. Vickeridge’ who was the captain of a RAN Corvette during WW2.
 
Initially this award was for any modeller younger than 18 years old, but in 2024 the committee decided to split this age-group into two groups; intermediates (13 to 17) and Juniors (12 and under). This was to make the junior section fairer for young children. It was decided that the Vickeridge trophy would remain with the younger group.
 
Intent
The intent of this award is to identify the best scale model made by a competitor 12 or under and to encourage model building in this age group. The basis on which best is decided can be either technical or artistic or some combination of the two. The judges make the decision.
 
Eligibility
All entries created by a competitor who is 12 or younger on the date of the competition are eligible for this award.

​BEST CO-OPERATIVE BUILD
 
History
In 2021 a model created by a father / daughter team and set to enter the senior diorama category, was disqualified because more than one person had worked on it. This decision highlighted that there was no room for team builds in the competition. In 2022 a new category was created. This allows models created by a team to be entered into the competition. A new award – best co-operative build – was created.  As a team of builders may have an unfair advantage over an individual, co-operative builds are not eligible for Best in Show.  However cooperative builds are eligible for ‘People’s choice’. The inaugural winners were Caroline and Steve Loach

Intent
The intent of this award is to identify the ‘best’ scale model made by more than one person and thereby encourage teamwork and intergenerational model building. The basis on which ‘best’ is based can be either technical or artistic or some combination of the two. The judges make the decision.
 
Eligibility
All entries created by a team of more than one person are eligible.

​BEST AUSTRALIAN SUBJECT
 
History
This award was introduced with the first WASMEx and has been presented at every subsequent show. It is a core part of WASMEx’s history.
 
Intent
This award identifies the single best scale model of an Australian subject within the competition. The basis on which best is based can be either technical or artistic or some combination of the two. The judges make the decision.
 
The intent is to celebrate Australia, including our Heritage, Technology, People, Institutions, National Character. The ‘Best Australian’ model will not only be an excellent model but will have a clear and unmistakable link with Australia.
 
Eligibility
 Any model where it can be demonstrated to the chief judge’s satisfaction that the subject has a strong direct link with Australia is eligible for this award.
 
Inclusions:
  • ​Representations of part of Australia. For example, a diorama showing an Australian scene or an Australian building.
  • Models representing Australian citizens or residents and / or individuals that are primarily associated with Australia.
  • Australian flora and fauna.
  • Subjects owned and/or operated primarily in Australia.
  • Subjects that are physically overseas but are considered Australian because of significant periods of ownership or operation by Australians. For example, foreign-manufactured military equipment used by Australian armed forces abroad.
  • Fictional subjects that are unmistakably associated with Australia, (eg ‘Crocodile Dundee’, ‘Blinky Bill’ or the ‘USS Australia’ from Star Trek.
 
Exclusions:
  • Subjects that despite having some association with Australia, are primarily associated with another nation. For example, ‘Cutty Sark’ was a frequent visitor to Australia but is primarily associated with the United Kingdom. 
In the event of doubt regarding a model’s eligibility for ‘Best Australian Subject’ the chief Judge’s decision is final.

​BEST US NAVY CARRIER OPERATED AIRCRAFT - 'THE TAIL-HOOK AWARD'
 
History
Michael Stonehouse of Halo Decals instigated this award. Halo Decals was an Australian Producer of high-quality decals and an early sponsor of WASMEx.
 
During a visit from a US Navy Carrier to Fremantle, Michael arranged for a US Navy A7 Corsair II arrestor hook to be sectioned for use as a trophy. This was donated to WASMEx in a ceremony held at the US consulate in Perth.
 
The first winner of the award, John Evans, had the section mounted on a carefully finished block of Australian hardwood. This trophy has been awarded at every subsequent WASMEx, the names of the winners are recorded in small, engraved brass shields mounted on the wooden block.
 
Intent
To celebrate, highlight and commemorate US Navy, aircraft-carrier, air- operations.  Due to the deep, long-standing connections between W.A. and the US NAVY, WASMEx is proud to award this prize on a perpetual basis.
 
Eligibility
To be eligible for this award the subject must be an aircraft operated by the US Navy from US Navy aircraft carriers.
 
In this context an aircraft carrier refers to ‘A warship that serves as a sea-going airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck for launching and recovering aircraft and designed primarily to support and operate aircraft that engage in offensive and defensive air-operations.’  This definition includes smaller escort carriers commonly used during WW2 and in the immediate post-war years but excludes assault support ships, even if they are ‘flat-tops’.
 
Inclusions:
  • Fixed-wing US Navy aircraft that operate from US Navy aircraft carriers.
  • Rotary-wing US Navy aircraft that operate from US Navy aircraft carriers.
 
Exclusions:
  • Carrier based aircraft from nations other than the USA, even if operating on a US carrier.
  • US Navy assets other than aircraft.
  • US Navy aircraft that are not directly involved with carrier operations. For example, it excludes helicopters based on destroyers and US navy trainer aircraft unless they are operated from an aircraft carrier.
  • US Marines, Coastguard, Air Force or Army aircraft of any description.
  • US Navy equipment and personnel that are not aircraft.
  • Fictional Subjects (NB: eligible real-world aircraft featuring in fictional work are eligible)

​BEST ROYAL AIR FORCE SUBJECT
 
Definitions
In this document the term ‘RAF’ includes the antecedent services of the RAF. These are:
  • The Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS) (1914 to 1918)
  • The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) (1912 – 1918).
 
In this document the term ‘RAF’ includes various distinct organisations that fall under the governance of the RAF. These include:
  • WRAF, Womans Royal Air Force
  • RAuxAF, Royal Auxilary Air Force
  • RAFVR, RAF Volunteer Reserve
  • RAF Regiment
  • RAF University Air Squadrons
  • RAF Elementary Flying Training Schools (even when partially civilianised)
  • ROC, Royal Observer Corps
  • PMRAFNS, Princess Mary RAF Nursing Service
  • RAF Air Cadets and / or Air Training Corps
 
History
This award was instigated by Gordon Riddle in 2004. Gordon was a passionate 1/72 scale aircraft modeller with a deep interest in the history of the Royal Air Force and an enthusiastic supporter of WASMEx. The trophy – involving a brass model of an RAF Spitfire in flight was donated by the W.A. branch of the RAF Association. Gordon passed away 2005 and we have continued to award this prize ever since.
 
Intent
To celebrate, highlight and commemorate the Royal Air Force and all who have served in it.
 
Eligibility
Any model of RAF equipment or personnel is eligible for this award.
 
Inclusions:
 Any asset of the RAF including aircraft, ground equipment, rescue boats etc.
  • RAF personnel of all descriptions.
  • Equipment and personnel integrated into the RAF from outside countries. For example, Polish, Czechoslovakian, New Zealand aircraft and personnel serving under RAF command during WW2. NB: An exception is made for RAAF personnel or aircraft who are, instead, eligible for ‘best RAAF award’.
  • Ex-RAF assets that are still visibly associated with the RAF including abandoned or restored equipment in RAF colours and markings.
  • Ex-RAF personnel wearing attire that clearly identifies them as Ex-RAF.
 
Exclusions:
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps Aircraft, equipment and personnel.
  • Royal Aircraft Establishment Aircraft, equipment and personnel.
  • Other commonwealth air-arm equipment and personnel unless (as mentioned above) integrated into the RAF organisational structure and directly under RAF command.
  • Contractors that provide ‘military like’ services such as QinetiQ or Serco Group Plc.
  • Fictional Subjects (NB: eligible real-world subjects featuring in fictional work are eligible)
  • Future or projected RAF equipment.

​BEST ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE SUBJECT
 
Definitions
In this document the term ‘RAAF’ includes the antecedent services of the RAAF. These are:
  • ​The Point Cook Central Flying School (1912 to 2021)
  • The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) (1914 – 1921).
 
In this document the term ‘RAAF’ includes various distinct organisations that fall under the governance of the RAAF. These include:
  • WRAAF, Women’s Royal Australian Air Force
  • WAAAF, Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force
  • RAAF Flying Training Schools (even when partially civilianised)
  • RAAF Air Cadets and / or Air Training Corps
 
History
In 2019 Brian Simpson of Perth RC model and hobby enquired as to why WASMEx had a ‘Best RAF’ but not a ‘Best RAAF’ award.  Brian offered to provide a trophy for the purpose of establishing this. The committee accepted the proposal and a trophy was created. This prize was first awarded in 2019. The inaugural winner was Eric Galliers. It is now a perpetual WASMEx award.
 
Intent
To celebrate, highlight and commemorate the Royal Australian Air Force and all who have served in it.
 
Eligibility
Any model of RAAF equipment or personnel is eligible for this award.
 
Inclusions
  • Any asset of the RAAF including aircraft, ground equipment, boats, etc
  • RAAF personnel of all descriptions.
  • RAAF equipment and personnel under foreign command. For example, RAAF aircraft or personnel serving under RAF command during WW2.
  • Ex-RAAF assets that are still visibly associated with the RAAF including abandoned or restored equipment in RAAF colours and markings.
  • Ex-RAAF personnel wearing attire that clearly identifies them as Ex-RAAF.
 
Exclusions
  • ADF aircraft operated by the RAN or the Australian Army.
  • Mixed operation (eg. US or UK aircraft operated by RAAF personnel)
  • Contractors that provide ‘military like’ services such as QinetiQ or Air Affairs Australia.
  • Fictional Subjects (NB: eligible real-world subjects featuring in fictional work are eligible)
  • Future or projected RAAF equipment.

​BEST ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY SUBJECT
 
Definition
In this document the term ‘RAN’ is taken to include the antecedent services of the RAN. These include:
  •  The Australian Navy (1901 to 1911)
  • Each of the Australian colonial navy forces prior to federation
  • The ‘Australia Squadron of the Royal Navy (1859 to 1913)
  • The Australian Division of the East Indies Station (1848 to 1859)
 
Subjects prior to 1848 are Royal Navy subjects and are not eligible.
 
In this document the term ‘RAN’ includes various distinct organisations that fall under the governance of the RAN. These include:
  • RANVR – Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve
  • WRANS – Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service
 
History
In 2023 Stuart Chappel – WASMEx Chief Judge – expressed the view that it was irrational and unfair for WASMEx to have a Best RAAF award but not any award for other branches of the ADF. The committee agreed and the Best RAN and Best Australian Army awards were created. Appropriate Trophies were purchased, and both prizes were awarded for the first time in the 2024. The inaugural winner of the RAN prize was Jeffrey Palmer. The Best RAN prize is now a perpetual award.
 
Intent
 To celebrate, highlight and commemorate the Royal Australian Navy and all who have served in it.
 
Eligibility
 Any model of RAN equipment or personnel is eligible for this award.
  
Inclusions
  • Any asset of the RAN including ships, submarines, boats, aircraft and ground-based equipment.
  • RAN personnel of all descriptions.
  • RAN equipment and personnel under foreign command.  For example, RAN ships or personnel serving under RN command during WW1 and WW2.
  • Australian Navy Cadets and / or Sea Cadets equipment and personnel.
  • Ex-RAN assets that are still visibly associated with the RAN including abandoned or restored equipment in RAN colours and markings.
  • Ex-RAN personnel wearing attire that clearly identifies them as Ex-RAN.
 
Exclusions
  •  ADF vessels operated by the RAAF or the Australian Army
  • Australian Border force maritime equipment and personnel.
  • Contractors that provide ‘military like’ services for example as QinetiQ or Serco Group Plc.
  • Fictional Subjects (NB: eligible real-world subjects featuring in fictional work are eligible)
  • Future or projected RAN equipment.

​BEST AUSTRALIAN ARMY SUBJECT
 
Definition
In this document the term ‘Australian Army’ includes the antecedent services of the Australian Army. These include:
  • Various Australian colonial militias from 1870 until federation (1870 to 1901) Note: in 1870 British military support for the colonies ended and each colony became entirely responsible for its own defence. Subjects prior to 1870 are British military subjects and are not eligible.  

History
In 2023 Stuart Chappel – WASMEx Chief Judge – expressed the view that it was irrational and unfair for WASMEx to have a Best RAAF award but not any award for other branches of the ADF. The committee agreed and the Best RAN and Best Australian Army awards were created.  Appropriate Trophies were purchased, and both prizes were awarded for the first time in the 2024. The inaugural winner of the Best Australian Army award was Andy Cooper. This is now a perpetual award.
 
Intent
To celebrate, highlight and commemorate the Australian Army and all who have served in it.
 
Eligibility
Any model of Australian Army equipment or personnel is eligible for this award.
 
Inclusions
  • Any asset of the Australian Army including vehicles, weapons, boats and aircraft
  • Australian Army personnel of all descriptions.
  • Australian Army equipment and personnel under foreign command. For example, Australian Army Soldiers under British command during WW1.
  • Australian Army Cadets equipment and personnel.
  • Ex-Australian Army assets that are still visibly associated with the Australian Army including abandoned or restored equipment in Australian Army colours and markings.
  • Ex-Australian Army personnel wearing attire that clearly identifies them as Ex-Australian Army.
 
Exclusions
  • ADF equipment operated by the RAN or RAAF.
  • Military personnel and equipment prior to 1870 (see notes on definition above).
  • Contractors that provide ‘military like’ services for example Serco Group Plc.
  • Fictional Subjects (NB: eligible real-world subjects featuring in fictional work are eligible)
  • Future or projected Australian Army equipment.

​SHOWCASE CHALLENGE
 
History
In 2023, Will Dias, the former Deputy Chief Judge, requested that we establish a perpetual award for Racing Cars. The committee decided that the categorisation was too narrow for a permanent award but felt that it might be a good special award for one year. From this arose the concept of the ‘Showcase Challenge’ a category that would have a special focus subject that would change each year. The topic for the 2025 inaugural Showcase Challenge was Racing Cars. The inaugural winner was Rob Hughes.
 
Intent
The intent of the showcase challenge is to provide an incentive to modellers to attempt a subject that they might not otherwise try and to ensure that each year the competition display remains fresh and interesting.
 
Eligibility
The winner can be selected from any entry in the Showcase challenge category. The decision is made by the judges.